Indonesia and Thailand Strengthen Bilateral Ties Under New Leadership
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia and Thailand are enhancing their longstanding bilateral ties under the leadership of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto emphasized the importance of this cooperation in advancing shared goals and exploring new areas of collaboration.
“Our strong bilateral relations, rooted in mutual respect and shared values, have fostered collaboration in various fields, namely trade, investment, security, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges,” Hartarto stated in an official release on Thursday.
Bilateral trade between the two nations has witnessed significant growth, with a record high of over $19 billion in 2022 and nearly $17.5 billion in 2023. Thailand’s foreign direct investment (FDI) in Indonesia also saw a notable rise, encompassing over 450 projects worth $185.5 million last year.
Hartarto highlighted the need for deeper engagement beyond governmental levels, encouraging business-to-business exchanges and people-to-people interactions. “We believe there is great untapped potential to strengthen our partnership,” he noted.
President Prabowo Subianto’s emphasis on food and energy security, along with an independent and active foreign policy, aligns with the shared objectives of Indonesia and Thailand. Hartarto stressed the countries’ potential as strong partners, especially as they prepare to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2025.
The minister also acknowledged the intrinsic connection between the two nations as founding members of ASEAN, working towards regional progress and prosperity. He expressed gratitude for Thailand’s leadership in negotiating ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which is expected to bring significant economic benefits to member states.
Furthermore, both nations are collaborating on their bids to join BRICS and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This cooperation aims to amplify the voices of developing countries, promote south-south partnerships, and positively influence global development.
“I send my regards to the new Thai government. May our bilateral and regional relations continue to grow,” Hartarto concluded.
Indonesia and Thailand’s strengthened partnership signals a promising future of shared progress and deeper regional cooperation.
